Dry spell victims cry foul
Mzimba North residents have raised fears of hunger if government keeps shunning communities devastated by drought in preference for those hit by floods.
While sympathising with populations hit by floods which compelled President Peter Mutharika to declare a state of disaster early this year, the rural dwellers want government to put in place sustainable strategies to help poor households affected by dry spells countrywide.
The locals expressed their disappointment with lack of sustainable interventions when member of Parliament for Mzimba North Agness Nyalonje donated 3.5 tonnes of maize seed to nearly 2 000 irrigation farmers, in fulfilment of a promise she made early this year, when Chief Jalavikuba of the area organised prayers for rains.
Sending an SOS, the chief’s aide Matete Mhango said: “We are sure we can do better if we harness available water bodies and irrigation schemes to replant.
“Unfortunately, our efforts have hit a snag because government and non-governmental organisations [NGOs] have chosen to concentrate on helping flood survivors forgetting drought-hit communities.”
However, Mutharika in March assured the nation that no Malawian will die of hunger and the proposed national budget, currently under Parliament’s scrutiny, provides for a K9 billion allocation towards alleviating the harsh impact of the impending food shortage.
Nyalonje said the lean year could be an opportunity for the country to ultilise vast stretches of irrigable land. The donation is worth K2.7 million (US$600).
